Backstreet Boys Member Announces Temporary Split from Wife of 11 Years

Alexa, play 'Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.'

Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean and his wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean, have decided to split up temporarily, sharing the difficult news with fans in a joint statement this morning.

"Marriage is hard, but worth it. We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with the hope of building a stronger future," the couple explained to TMZ. "The plan is to come back together and continue to nurture our love for one another, and our family. We ask for respect and privacy at this time."

The joint statement concluded, "Separation is hard enough without the commentary, please be kind and remember there are children involved."

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AJ, 45, popped the question to Rochelle, 41, who works as a makeup artist and hairstylist, while on stage in 2009. After some years years of dating, the couple married at the Beverly Hills Hotel in December 2011 with all of the groom's fellow Backstreet Boys in attendance for the goth wedding.

AJ and Rochelle later welcomed two daughters: 9-year-old Elliot (born Ava James) and 6-year-old Lyric.

Despite AJ's career on the road picking back up, the McLean kids have stayed close to their father, joining his band on tour and even participating in pre-show rituals alongside Rochelle.

It doesn't look like the couple's temporary split will keep the pop star from soaking up every second he can get with his kids before the Backstreet Boys global tour kicks off next month in Iceland.

Just last week, AJ shared a sweet birthday shoutout and some snaps from the couple's youngest daughter's rollerskating party on Instagram.

"Happiest of bdays to my mini me. Daddy is so proud of the little woman you are," AJ gushed in the March 19 post. "I love you baby girl. Happy birthday my love! Now let’s go celebrate!"

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